Reliability or style: A showdown between Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-7 classic sports cars

The Honda S2000, also known as ‘S2K’ is an open roof sports car manufactured by Japanese automobile giant, Honda, from 1999 until 2009.

It was the best small sports roadster for ten years. Even though the F20C and F22C1 engines didn’t have enough torque and power, they were full of personality as they sang all the way up to 9,000 and 8,200 RPM.

Owners who could handle the two-seat convertible’s lively back end were rewarded with Honda’s legendary light handling and responsiveness, as well as some of the most beautiful design details even today.

Until you saw the Mazda RX-7 FD. With its boldly curved lines, sloping rear hatch, and, of course, pop-up headlights, it is often thought to be one of the most beautiful small sports coupes to come out of Japan.

Its twin-turbocharged 1.3L rotary Wankel engine made a respectable 252 hp and later 276 hp as it got older, but again, it’s not the numbers that sell this car but the power to weight ratio, the way it handles, and how it feels to drive it.

The RX-7 FD is now a classic among JDM fans, and it’s not easy to find one in perfect shape.

Revving on, with the S2000, you get one of the best six-speed manual gearboxes ever made and the reliability that Honda is known for. But the FD has a sleek coupe shape with a sunroof, balance and handling that few modern cars can match, more torque and push than the Honda competitor, and, perhaps most importantly, a beautiful body that makes everyone on the road look at it and be jealous.
Also, price doesn’t make the choice any easier as both rides sold on @bringatrailer for “classic car” prices: the S2000 with 14,000 miles went for $67,000 USD, and the RX-7 FD with 44,000 miles went for $64,000 USD.

With this in mind, which would you choose: the classic roadster and reliability of the S2K or the FD’s jaw-dropping looks and unique power plant? Leave your thoughts below.